Calcium and Minerals

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Your body requires “fuel” to perform tasks and power chemical reactions that make it possible for you to think, make your heart beat, help you to digest your food or move from one place to another. These raw materials are commonly known as nutrients, and minerals are some of the most important nutrients necessary for a healthy body. Minerals are needed for many crucial bodily functions and are usually derived from food.
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Your diet may not be providing all of the nutrients required for good health due to unhealthy choices, health care problems, or a busy schedule. In these cases, mineral supplements may aid your body in acquiring the materials that it needs to function optimally.

Why Do I Need Calcium?

Calcium is a vital component of teeth and bones and is essential to their development. Calcium makes teeth and bones strong enough to resist breakage. Postmenopausal women are often advised to increase their calcium dosage, as changes in estrogen levels weaken their bones. Other populations at risk for developing calcium deficiencies include people who are lactose intolerant and cannot consume dairy products and vegans who do not include dairy in their diets.

Is Chromium Good For Diabetes?

Another essential mineral is chromium which has been shown to play an important role in regulating blood glucose. Chromium is thought to help cells absorb glucose and assists with cellular response to insulin, the chemical that balances blood sugar levels. Some older adults become deficient in chromium, and scientists believe that those with diabetes may benefit from chromium supplements though more research is needed to confirm this fact.

Am I Getting Enough Iron?

The mineral iron is an essential component of hemoglobin which is a protein in the blood that helps to transport oxygen throughout the body. The National Institute of Health (NIH) estimates that up to 80 percent of people in the world don't get enough iron from their diets. In addition, the NIH states that approximately 30 percent of the world’s population is anemic, which means that their hemoglobin production is very deficient. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, easy bruising and shortness of breath, all of which many doctors believe may be alleviated through iron supplementation.

What Does Magnesium Do?

Magnesium plays many different roles in the human body. The mineral helps the body regulate its temperature, move muscles, transport messages across the nervous system and metabolize nutrients at the cellular level. Deficiencies in magnesium may occur in individuals who take certain medications, diabetics, those with digestive issues and the elderly.

Unsure which mineral supplement is right for you? Consult with your doctor. He or she can discuss your symptoms with you and help develop a plan that will include the best supplement to address your needs. drugstore.com has a wide variety of mineral supplements to meet your needs. From multiminerals that combine more than one essential nutrient to single mineral supplements, our minerals are all affordably priced and produced by reputable manufacturers. Shop our collection now to find the right supplement to help you improve your daily nutrition.